Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice
Case Study
Building a Statewide Continuum of Care for Justice-Involved Youth in Virginia
Since 2017, EBA has partnered with Virginia’s Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to implement a statewide continuum of evidence-based services. This partnership supports the Commonwealth’s juvenile justice transformation by promoting effective community-based alternatives and coordinated care.
Problem
Over-reliance on Outdated Correctional Facilities & Inconsistent Services
Virginia’s juvenile justice system previously depended on large correctional centers and lacked consistent, evidence-based supports across regions. Youth frequently faced placement without robust alternatives, and reintegration services were limited, undermining efforts to reduce recidivism and promote lasting change.
Solution
Juvenile Justice Transformation & EBA Statewide Coordination
To modernize and reform its approach, Virginia DJJ launched a strategic transformation centered on evidence-based care. EBA was chosen as the Regional Service Coordinator to lead this work:
- Began in 2017 with Central and Northern regions, expanding statewide in 2024
- Developed a comprehensive network of local service providers
- Delivered technical assistance, training, and fidelity monitoring
- Supported programming for diversion, commitment, and reentry stages
- Worked closely with DJJ to align services with system-wide goals and values
This statewide infrastructure ensures that services are accessible, coordinated, and research-informed.
Outcome
Consistent Access, Community-Based Care, and Long-Term Impact
Through this partnership, Virginia DJJ is transforming its juvenile justice system into one that prioritizes youth outcomes and community integration:
- Youth across the Commonwealth now access locally delivered, high-quality services
- Confinement rates are declining in favor of therapeutic, community-based solutions
- The system is supported by strong coordination, performance tracking, and implementation tools
EBA’s role in building this continuum exemplifies how public-private partnerships can sustain meaningful reform and support youth success.
Solutions EBA Provided
Needs Assessment & Program Alignment
Identify ideal evidence-based programs and determine when and where they are most needed across the District to meet community needs effectively.
Implementation & Provider Support
Provide direct support to community-based agencies to help them successfully adopt and deliver evidence-based practices, including coaching and guidance throughout implementation.
Workforce & Provider Oversight
Monitor compliance with the EBP Hiring Manual and assist agencies in creating policies that support effective staff recruitment, training, and long-term retention.
Training & Capacity Coordination
Identify certified training partners and coordinate session schedules to ensure staff receive timely, relevant training while maintaining adequate service coverage.
Utilization & Referral Management
Manage referral processes to ensure appropriate, timely access to services, aligning client needs with the most suitable evidence-based programs.
Quality, Evaluation & Stakeholder Engagement
Collaborate with partners to track fidelity and outcomes, use dashboards and monitoring tools to evaluate performance, and keep stakeholders informed to guide ongoing improvements and sustain success.
EBA supports Washington’s commitment to reducing incidents and impacts of gun violence among youth in its communities.
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